Estelle Smith is a passionate advocate for animals and a force for positive change. Her journey is a heartwarming tale of resilience, dedication, and love for all creatures great and small. Hailing from the Bayou, she was raised on a farm in Louisiana, Estelle’s childhood was a menagerie of animals and pets including a raccoon that was successfully released back into the wild.
Estelle’s heart found its home at SFACC, where she has been a dedicated volunteer for years. From her early days as a Level 1 Dog Volunteer to her roles in Wildlife Transport and Dog Adoption Assistance, each step deepened her appreciation for the shelter and its compassionate staff.
Her life took a turn when she adopted a seven-week-old rescue from SPCA Santa Cruz. Their love story faced challenges as he battled Parvo virus and mange, but he emerged a survivor, igniting Estelle’s spark for animal welfare and advocacy.
Beyond her animal advocacy, Estelle is a seasoned professional, currently leading Cloud Partnerships at Fortanix. She holds a BA from Louisiana State University and a MA from Cal Poly Humboldt. Estelle proudly calls San Francisco home, where she lives with her four-legged son, Beau. She’s also actively involved in several nonprofit organization boards, making a difference in both the corporate and philanthropic worlds. Estelle’s determination extends to her role as a competitive Masters bodybuilder, and she shares her fitness interests by teaching classes at The Olympic Club. Together, let’s make the world a better place for animals and humans alike.